September 2024 Events in Estes Park

Here's a list of the best events in Estes Park in September! Check back for updates and additional details.

You can't hike the entire time you're in town, although no one here will blame you for trying. Instead, fill out your trip with local events that will give you a taste of the sights, sounds and flavors of this vibrant little mountain town.
 

First Friday Art Groove

September 6

Take a self-guided tour of local art galleries at the monthly First Friday Art Groove! Various locations will be serving food & refreshments and hosting artist meet & greets, demonstrations, show opening and live music. Ride the free Estes Park Trolley between galleries!
 

Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival

August 31 - September 2

Original artisan works will be on display under 100+ tents during the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival in downtown Bond Park.
 

Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival

September 6-8

Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival is in its 47th consecutive year, always the weekend after Labor Day. A Celtic Heritage educational event. A family event with Highland Athletes, Highland Dancing, Scotch Tasting, Pipe Bands, 4 Celtic Music Stages, Ethnic food.
 

Fine Arts & Crafts Festival

September 14-15

The 49th Annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival is a juried art show featuring photography, painting, jewelry, wood, sculpture, metal, wearables, textile arts and more. 100 artists share their art, and Kids Corner provides activities for children.
 

Autumn Gold Festival

September 21-22

At the Autumn Gold Festival, you can enjoy a freshly grilled brat with all the fixings plus a cold beer (or a glass of wine) while listening to 5 award-winning, Front Range (and globally acclaimed) bands.
 

Rails in the Rockies

September 21-22

The Estes Valley Model Railroaders present their 26th Annual Rails in the Rockies show at the Estes Park Events Complex. Enjoy train layouts, all gauges, vendors, clinics and demos.
 

Estes Park Elk Fest®

September 28-29

Celebrate Estes Park's resident elk at Elk Fest, a family-friendly festival in downtown Bond Park. Enjoy vendors, live music, food trucks, bugling contests, performances and more!
 

Rut Run 5K

September 28

Kickstart Elk Fest weekend with the Rut Run 5K (3.1mi) race, featuring a new scenic, downhill course with fall colors, river views and possible elk encounters (from a safe distance). Runners, joggers and walkers will meet at the Estes Park Visitor Center to be transported by shuttle to the starting line on Fish Hatchery Road. All participants receive a complimentary beer token for the Elk Fest festivities!
 

Recurring Events:

Estes Valley Plain Air Exhibition

September 1-24

Every August, well-known artists from all over the country converge in Estes Park for Estes Valley Plein Air. Special events include a poster/postcard and wine label contest, a nocturne paint out opportunity, a miniature contest, a group paint out, an educational program, and a Quick Paint at Riverside Plaza in which artists have a limited amount of time to complete paintings that are then auctioned to the public. The paintings completed during the event are on sale for a month, attracting many art collectors and plein air aficionados.
 

Tarot Readings with My Tarot Mom

Weekly on Tuesday

My Tarot Mom is an intuitive tarot reader guiding people to love, joy and success. Stop by Raven's Roast Coffee & Tea Lounge every Tuesday between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a reading. 20% of the proceeds go to the Pet Association of Estes Park.
 

Estes Valley Farmers Market

Weekly on Thursdays

Check out the Estes Valley Farmers Market every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Farmers Market days, the Visitor Center parking lot will be closed to all vehicles except transit buses, those with valid ADA credentials and those looking to quickly drop off or pick up market products. Farmers Market patrons must park in the parking structure at 691 N Saint Vrain Ave.
 

Historic Fall River Hydroplant Tours

Weekly, Wednesday through Saturday

The Historic Fall River Hydroplant was constructed in 1909 to produce electricity for the Stanley Hotel and surrounding areas. Later, F.O. Stanley sold the plant to the Public Service Company of Colorado. In 1945, the Town of Estes Park purchased and maintained the Hydroplant until it was severely damaged in 1982 by the Lawn Lake Flood. Operating as an interpretive site since 2002, the Hydroplant will be open Wednesday – Saturday, 1-4 p.m., May 31 through September 2, 2023. Guided tours of the Hydroplant will be given at 1, 2 and 3 p.m., no reservations are required and admission is free.
 

Rocky Mountain Conservancy Events

Learn about the geology of the Fall River and Big Thompson Valleys, set out on a mindfulness retreat and guided hike, and step up your night sky photography skills! The Rocky Mountain Conservancy offers classes monthly. Check their calendar.
 

MacGregor Ranch Museum Tours

Weekly through September 30

Explore MacGregor Ranch Museum, home to the three generations of MacGregors who settled, homesteaded, and developed the land to become the Ranch that provided for their family and the town. The MacGregors facilitated many avenues of growth for the town of Estes Park and its other influential members. Contact them in advance for groups larger than eight.
 

Thursday Acoustics at Dusk

Weekly on Thursday

Ignite your summer nights and join The Bull Pin for Thursday Acoustics at Dusk, where the atmosphere sizzles with the sounds of talented musicians from 6-9pm every Thursday throughout the summer. Talented musicians include Marcus James, Daniel Pouse, Jason Lenz, Jay Roemer, Jon Pickett and more.
 

My Tarot Mom New Moon, Full Moon and Divine Feminine Empowerment Ceremonies

See website for calendar

Join Marcia for a New Moon & Full Moon Ceremony and Meditation as she helps you release the negative aspects of your life to create a fresh, positive, fulfilling, and loving journey. Want to ignite your Divine Feminine Power? Join her for a glorious celebration around all that is beautiful and wonderful about women's incredible nurturing and inspiring energy. Visit My Tarot Mom's website for a calendar, and email or text to reserve your space.
 

Open Mic Night at Avant Garde Aleworks

Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday

Calling all musicians, poets and performers! Come grab a beer before you take the stage and enjoy a night of live music in the taproom, hosted by local musician, Chris Theunissen. 920 Dunraven St, Estes Park, CO 80517; (970) 591-2700; avantgardealeworks.com
 

Latino Night at La Cabaña Mexican Bar & Grill 

Weekly on Saturdays

Join La Cabaña Mexican Bar & Grill every Saturday from 5-9 p.m. for dinner and a dance party. Dance to the tunes of bachata and reggaeton by Sonido Cali.
 

Live Magic at The Stanley

Most nights; Visit the website for details

Hidden beneath The Post Restaurant, upon the historic Stanley Hotel grounds, there is a secret subterranean theatre, where the greatest magicians in the world perform. Master Magician Aiden Sinclair, from the hit series America's Got Talent and Penn and Teller's Fool Us, has invited only the finest prestidigitators to appear in this enchanting new venue. Join them for an unforgettable and immersive experience that will inspire your imagination and kindle the wonder in your soul.
 

Live Music at Twin Owls Steakhouse

Every Wednesday - Saturday

Enjoy live music every Wednesday - Saturday at the Twin Owls Steakhouse. Wednesdays starting at 6:30pm, listen to local bluegrass. Thursday - Saturday starting at 5:30pm, stop in for James Davis Spanish & Classical Guitar. For dining guests only, some exceptions apply. Call (970) 586-9344 to make a reservation.
 

Bingo Night at the American Legion Post 119

Weekly on Sundays and Tuesdays

Enjoy a family-friendly bingo night at the American Legion, and play for cash prizes! Every Sunday at 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 6 p.m.
 

Weekly Classes at Inspired Artisan Market & Studio

Wednesdays - Sundays

From DIY Tie Dye Shirts and Fused Glass Necklaces to Felted Hummingbirds and Acrylic Pour Painting, Inspired Artisan Market & Studio offers no shortage of unique experiences for all ages. See their website for details.
 

Live Music at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern 

Every week, rotating musicians

Originally a sandwich shop at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and then evolved into a dance hall, The Rock Inn now boasts weekly live music paired with an ever-evolving food menu & full bar. 1675 State Highway 66, Estes Park, CO 80517; (970) 214 2953; rockinnestes.com
 

Check out our full list of events and book your next trip to Estes Park.
 

Are you an Estes Park business that hosts events? Let us know so we can make sure you're on our monthly event articles!